After delivery of the baby and placenta, your doctor will close the incision with absorbable stitches.

How Long Will It Take?

This is done during childbirth.

Will It Hurt?

If you receive anesthesia, you will not feel pain during the procedure. After delivery, most women have discomfort and swelling. You may need to take pain medication.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay for vaginal delivery is two days. An episiotomy will not extend your stay.

Postoperative Care

Your stitches will dissolve in about 10 days. The cut will heal within about two weeks. There may still be some soreness until the skin gets its natural strength back. This could take up to six weeks. During that time, you may find it uncomfortable to sit or walk.

While you recover:

When your doctor tells you to, do
Kegel exercises
. Simply squeeze the muscles you use to stop the flow of urine. This strengthens the pelvic floor and can help the area heal faster.

Avoid having sex, douching, and using tampons for six weeks or as directed by your doctor.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.